I’ve been working at Dallas Theological Seminary for 22 years and counting; since we moved here for me to work on a Master of Theology degree. I hadn’t been here a few years when a man transferred into our department from another. He brought with him a tradition he’d started in that other department; an annual “Soup Day” where he and his wife would make a wonderful beef vegetable soup as the main course for a department potluck. I was excited about this from the beginning because I grew up with potlucks and social events with food. I love that combination. So, I thought to myself, “What goes good with soup? Answer: Sandwiches.” My mom used to make an Italian Beef that was very good although significantly different from what one might expect in an Italian Beef sandwich in Chicago where I later lived. (Also amazing in flavor)
Not only is my mom’s Italian Beef good, it’s easy to make. A perfect combination for someone working on a masters degree, working fulltime, and father of young kids. Well, it was a hit. Over the years I’ve suggested that I could bring something else that I thought would be good. But, due to what seemed to be a minor revolt, I was happy bringing the Italian Beef to Soup Day. We had Soup Day again today and it was great. The soup was good , the Italian Beef was good, there was chili, a rice dish inspired from India, desserts, . . . .all of which was awesome. But, it’s not really the food that makes this event so great. I would say it’s the intentionality of getting people together to “fellowship.” Work can be talked about because it’s something you have in common at a work potluck. But, it’s good to connect on topics that get down to other topics of just life in general.
Since the holiday season is coming like a bullet train, consider what you’re going to do and maybe what others around you are going to do? Do you have plans? If so, does you neighbor? You don’t have to be an extrovert to invite someone over to share a pizza or whatever. If you don’t feel comfortable inviting people into your residence or going to theirs, find a Denny’s (or whatever). Just take the “media” part out of social media for an hour or two. Connect with someone face to face. It’s such a great experience.
My mom’s Italian Beef Recipe
1 - Beef chuck roast (I prefer bone-in)
1 - jar of Peppercini peppers (these are not hot)
1 - packet of “Zesty Italian” seasoning/ dressing mix
1 - packet of “Onion soup” mix
2-3 cups of warm water - dissolve the onion soup mix and italian seasoning mix
1 - (Reynolds) oven roasting bag
1 - pan or baking dish
Directions:
Pour water with all seasonings along with the entire contents of the peppercini jar into the roasting bag with the chuck roast.
Tie the bag tightly closed to keep the liquids in the bag. Put the bag with everything in it into the pan or dish
Put the dish into an oven, preheated to 300 degrees for four hours. (Alternatively, one can put all ingredients into a crockpot instead of an oven roasting bag a slow cook the beef in there.
It’s done when the meat easily peels away from the roast with a light pull from a fork. Shred the beef with the fork and serve on rolls.
